Alerts

Warning: Emails sent misusing the name of 'Charles Russell Speechlys LLP'

18 March 2025

The SRA have been informed that emails have been sent misusing the name and genuine address of 'Charles Russell Speechlys LLP'

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent misusing the name and office address of a genuine firm of solicitors and the name of a solicitor (see below).

The email seen by the SRA asks the recipient to make a payment in relation to supposed unpaid debt.

The emails are signed off by 'Michelle Anderson' (see below) who is referred to as a 'Lawyer/Debt Collection Litigation Counsel' and use the address of the genuine firm (see below).

The emails have been sent from the following email address of 'michelle.anderson@charlesrussellpeechlys.co.uk'. The emails provide a telephone number of '02032879329'.

Any business or transaction through the above email address or the telephone number of '02032879329' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. The firm's head office address is 5 Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7RD. The firm's telephone number is 020 7203 5000. The genuine firm uses the domain @crsblaw.com.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the above emails and does not employ 'Michelle Anderson'.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine individual called Michelle Anderson. The genuine Michelle Anderson has confirmed that she has no connection to the above matter.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.